Mat 4:1-11; Yours Is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Class Outline:

Thursday February 8, 2024

 

It is obvious that Satan is allowed to exploit his temporary power in many ways to the hurt of mankind.

 

2CO 4:3-4

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

 

Satan is the ruler of this world.

(JOH 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2CO 4:4; EPH 2:2; 6:11-12; 1JO 5:19; REV 12:9-17). 

 

MAT 4:8-10

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, "All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me." 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'" (DEU 6:13)

 

Satan attempts to rule the world with the Son of God as his lieutenant. 

 

He will be cast out (JOH 12:31), and he has nothing (no corruption) in Jesus (14:30). Jesus obeys the Father. 

 

Invisible war: God has allowed the devil, fallen angels, fallen mankind to sin and evil for a time. 

 

Man has choices in this war which ultimately determine their eternal destiny. 

 

The conflict exacerbates the sins of mankind. 

When good and evil come into contact, sin increases (ROM 5:20-21)

 

Grace abounded all the more - God always rises to overcome evil (ROM 5:21).

 

Every person has a choice in this war; ROM 3:21-26. 

 

A choice of kingdom is two: Kingdoms of the world or the kingdom of heaven. 

 

The kingdoms of the world are grasped now. The kingdom of heaven you have to wait for. 

 

The Lord had to wait in faith, patience, and hope. We have to do the same (HEB 11:1) [Abraham was looking for a city that God built, HEB 11:10]

 

The kingdoms of the world and their glory. Kingdoms are communities. Man is made in the image of God and so seeks community (Trinity). 

 

Man’s attempt at kingdom making has always been a failed experiment. 

 

From a distance the kingdoms look good, but they are filled with problems.  

 

Don’t try to make the kingdom of heaven in this world. 

Prayer: Your kingdom come.

 

You will never be able to make this place your eternal home. You must find your peace, joy, hope, love, etc. in the Lord (2CO 5:6-11).